There is nothing more Finnish than sauna

Many Finns think you can not grasp Finland or its culture without bathing in a sauna. By the Lake Saimaa it is possible to enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Finnish sauna. In addition to a traditional sauna you can pamper yourself for example in an exciting smoke sauna. Enjoy also the refreshing Lake Saimaa by swimming in summer as well as in winter!

Almost all holiday homes have their own sauna and some also have their own hot tub outside, where you can relax between bouts of steam.Per capita, Finland has the highest number of saunas in the world.

Sauna tips for the beginners

1. Sauna is a place for physical and mental cleansing, and many suggest one should behave in a sauna as they would in church. That is not to say you shouldn´t relax – just kick back and take it easy.

2. Getting invited to a sauna is an honour. It is said that in Finland, more important decisions get made in saunas than in meetings.

3. Yes, Finns go to sauna in the nude even with strangers. In groups, women and men go to sauna separately, but families go together. Don´t worry, Finns will understand if you want to wear a swimsuit or a towel.

4. There are no rules for how often you should throw more water on the stove. Whenever you feel like another wave of steam, go for it.

5. The Finnish sauna tradition is not complete without the sauna whisk made of birch twigs, with which you can give your skin a refreshing work-over during a sauna.

6. Another big favourite is the scents sold in various shops, for putting into the sauna water basin. These will fill your sauna with aromas such as tar and birch.

7. You will be sweating heavily in a sauna, so be sure to drink plenty. Water is probably best for you, but beer and cider is what Finns enjoy the most.

8. The most important thing is to relax, socialise, have a couple of drinks and enjoy the blissful post-sauna feeling of having cleaned both your body and your mind.